Boss' Balancing Act

Roberto Martinez says he has had to consider both the short and long-term interests of Everton when acting in this summer’s transfer market.

The Spaniard has brought seven new faces to Goodison Park since his own arrival at the Club in June, with deals for new players including both permanent and loan switches.

Gareth Barry, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku have been brought in on a temporary basis to aid this season’s Premier League push, while Joel Robles, Antolin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone and James McCarthy have all committed to the Blues on long-term contracts.

Asked about the strategy behind recruiting players who are proven and those with potential, Martinez admitted it is a balancing act for a football manager.

“I think it is a very good debate,” said the Spaniard. “As a manager you need to make decisions as if you are going to be at the club for the next 100 years.

“As a manager you get satisfaction from looking back at situations you planned four, five and six years ago.

“But clearly, it’s about balancing that out with winning football matches straight away which in the modern game you have to do.

“You haven’t got a margin for error and we are well aware that is what a big club demands, but at the same time I will always look to develop the future of the football club.”

Martinez could hand Barry and McCarthy their Everton debuts next Saturday against Chelsea. Tickets for the visit of the Jose Mourinho's men are now on general sale. Click here to secure your seat.

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